YEAR 15 OF MY LIFE!

Sooooo... I was born on November 24th,  just a 32 weeker strong.  Skiing began ASAP.  I was in a backpack (not allowed anymore for safety reasons, oops.) My first day skiing was as a 18 month old, let's just say my parents were egger to get me on snow. I was exactly fond of of skiing, but over time it grew on me. My parents along with Diane taught me how to ski well. I had my first days at Canyons just minutes from my home.  Then as I grew I got better, and my grandfather pushed for racing when I was 5. Racing began as a J6 so I think that was when I was 5 turning 6, as the season usually starts before my birthday. I skied for Summit Ski Team for the next 6 seasons. Then moving onto Park City Ski Team where I have spent that last 3 seasons and more to come.

Ski racing starts young, and always has. Starting with just one day a week for a while and then getting a little older we start to travel with parents to other races in the YSL series (all in northern Utah.) We start skiing weekends which soon moves into 3 days a week, then four.  This is when you start racing in South Series.  Then merging into the Intermountain Division which is when training has grown to 6 days a week.  As a second year U16 now I will be moving into the Western Regionals and then JO's for championships this season.  The events and skis have grown with us, and of course everything is more competitive.  Skiing with friends and family is nearly impossible.  Plan on having your life revolve around skiing including school.  It can be overwhelming, but it's the life I have chosen.  There has always been a way out, and for me I just want to ski through high school and then move on in life. I couldn't imagine anything different.

Photobomb! Thanks to Sam! PC: Mary McCulloch

It's my BIRTHDAY! No, I do not feel any different! It's just one day after yesterday.  I could get my permit now, but I'll wait until I have room in skiing, school, and online classes.  I couldn't spend it skiing, but I got to pet penguins and my family planned a amazing private event for me in St. Louis.  Probably the best birthday dinner ever, and maybe birthday too! I got some incredible gifts and spent it with some of my favorite people.  Since, my parents have been divorced I get another birthday tomorrow when I fly to Chicago.  I'll celebrate again! My grandmother has had dementia for a long time, and is on her final years. Turning 89 this december. It would be incredible if she could recognize me.  I have grown a lot since she has been diagnosed.  She remembers me as an 8 year old.  To be recognized would be the BEST PRESENT EVER!  It'll be hard to see her suffering, and knowing there's lots of secrets in the family.  But she'll be so glad to see me every time her memory resets. It's one of the best times of the year.

BISOUS,
LYSS

Season of a Lifetime!

Hey tree huggers! As we are getting closer to ski season we have received our communication coaches.  It was the first time my mom has really stood up for what's best for me.  I have never had a mother who was really proactive in getting what's in my best interests done.  She had to get her hard hat on and push for what we want.  The divorce has been difficult and really took her off the map.  Always chauffeuring me around, but her life can't be completely surrounded by my needs.  She needs to be able to say NO! She has made a change in coaching that will benefit me.  Time to prepare for the season of a LIFETIME!

Season Preparation began with goal setting which gives an overlook for where we want to go during the season.  Do I want to be in the Olympics?  Of course, but is that really realistic?  No!  You want to set goals that you can reach.  Having success gives success in the future!  We are tapering dryland and starting to really prepare for the on snow season.  My Rossi skis are here and ready...we just forgot the lifters so that'll be a last minutes adjustment.  Rossignol has always made incredible skis.  The best feeling is being able to know your skis WILL make that radius you need.  Not having to worry about your skis being able to make that "next gate" is a game changer.  Locker move in is tomorrow and I'm being moved up to locker 14 in the team room! EXCITING!

Forget about the positioning and look at the CUTENESS! 

Life Update! So while I'm away, in St. Louis and then moving on to Chicago, Park City Mountain Resort will open. No matter what the conditions are skiing will be a challenge.  Let's think about what it looks like in New York City in all the traffic.  Imagine having to squeeze your way through all those cars on a motor cycle.  So, that's why I'm not too disappointed to miss opening week.  I will be spending time with those old people, and I guess, some young, that I've never met.  Then I will spend Thanksgiving with my Dad's family.  Can't wait to get back to our supposably "Best Snow on Earth?"

BISOUS,
LYSS

Gossip

Hello Tree Huggers!  As you probably know from experience, being the buffer in Drama is the worst.  I'm not someone who's going to tell your secrets, and spread all the rumors. But when it comes to needing someone on common ground to work everything out, it's me.  Last year, one of my good friends, Max Askmo, was my other half to problem solving.  However, he wasn't enjoying skiing anymore.  This season will be a chance to start over for all of us.  We've become the new "second years," and new "first years" have moved up the system.

2013 Gobblin Valley Camping Trip! Creds: Tina Nardi

Being Last season, we joined the team at the first ski camp.  It was in Mt. Bachelor, Oregon.  A beautiful mountain with a surprising amount of the snow so late in the season.  It was a really great trip with about 8 days on snow and one day off for rafting.  This was our first time really being on the "B Team," which is now the U16 Team.  Everyone seemed so mature and just got the hang of everything well.  Let's just say, us 99's, well, we don't follow in the path of our older teammates.  We are unique, and I'm sure no one will follow in our paths.

2014 Mt. Hood; After I ripped my pants under the waterfall :)

This season, our drama is out and our bond has taken over.  The first few years on the team there really isn't a spot in our circle, but we try to be nice.  It was hard coming into a team where the only people I knew were my lacrosse teammates.  As a U14 I had a good year, but didn't really become friends with the 99's.  Coming into last season everything had changed after Bachelor.  Some bonding and groups formed but mostly the drama had begun.  We are stronger than ever without our little clicks inside the circle.  Everyone who can be independent and take control over their experience will find their way through; just as I did.  We are starting strong.  There may be shifts to come but for the time being we are a hella good team.  Salsa is just the start of it all.

Testing at COE! Creds: Julia Chahine

It's time for an update!!!  Dryland has been going well.  We had our official testing at the Center to Excellence.  I was really nervous about testing, but it showed really good improvements on most tests.  Starting in June has really payed off.  We are a month away, exactly, before the resort opens.  Just add two more days after that and you get my BIRTHDAY!  I'm leaving for Copper in a week, and I got my skis today!  It's time to get the SKI on.  Still trying to think of a costume for Halloween.  Dryland has been getting hard and it's crunch time.  We've been building our power, and it should be great to see how my hard work will pay off on snow.  Things can change and I'm stoked!

BISOUS,
LYSS